Let Me Preserve Your Family Legacy
You’re doing everything already.
About the Photographer
As a mom, I know how fast time moves—especially when you're growing your family. The little kicks, the way your oldest wraps their arms around your belly, the sleepy newborn stretches—these moments deserve to be remembered. I’m here to help you slow down and hold onto them.
WHY IT MATTERS
Hi there! I’m Shayna—a mom of two little ones and a maternity, newborn, and family photographer serving Pittsburgh and the surrounding areas.
If you’re anything like me, you’re juggling a million things right now—working, taking care of your family, preparing for a new baby, and trying to savor it all without completely losing yourself in the chaos. I get it. This season is beautiful, but it’s also overwhelming—and that’s exactly why I’m here.
I offer a photography experience designed to take the pressure off of you. From our first conversation to the final delivery of your images,
I’ll guide you through everything. I’ll help you plan your session, style your family, and if you wish choose the perfect heirloom pieces for your home.
You don’t have to stress about what to wear, how your kids will behave, or what you’ll do with the photos afterward. I’ve got you.
WHAT I DO
In January 2023, I officially launched Shayna VanDamia Photography. I am focusing on everything that has to do with motherhood from maternity, newborns to family. I want every mom to feel seen and beautiful
started my business
2023
had my daughter, leah & got my first camera
2018
After 3 years of battling infertility, we finally welcomed our daughter, Leah. John knew how much I loved photography, so he got me my first camera....which sat in the box for an additional 3 years.
...more exciting things to come!
After we got married in April, I moved to Pittsburgh and started working as a lab tech at a veterinary emergency and specialty hospital. But, I always had my digital camera or my phone with me taking all sorts of pictures.
got married and moved to pittsburgh
2013
We actually met in 2003 when we went to the same college (at Gannon). We were friends but lost touch. Then at the end of 2010, John randomly texted me. We then had a long distance relationship for 2 years until we got married and I moved.
STARTED DATING MY NOW HUSBAND, JOHN
2011
I always loved science and knew I wanted to do something with in the medical field. I decided to train as a Medical Technologist and started working in a human lab as a Med Tech.
GRADUATED FROM Gannon university with my biology degree
2009
THROUGH THE YEARS
Shyana VanDamia Photography
2022
Had my son, Giovanni & Started learning my camera
When I got pregnant with my son, I decided to get my camera out and started learning all about it. I took courses, practicing and fell in love with photographing people.
I fell in love with reading again a few years ago. At first I read thrillers, but then I started having nightmares. So, then I started reading romance novels and still love it. But, my new favorite thing to read is Romantasy novels, like The Fourth Wing, The Spark of the Everflame, Acator and TOG series.
reading
I love coffee! If I could, I would stop at a different cafe everyday just to try something different. In the morning, it has to be a hot coffee but then the rest of the day I prefer an iced or frappuccino
COFFEE
I love to bake...way more than cooking. A few months ago, I started baking sourdough and let me tell you how much fun I have had experimenting with it. There have been failures but also a lot of success. Whenever I am stressed, you will find me baking cookies, cakes or bread. I also love that I can include my kids in this activity. They love helping me.
baking
I love seeing new places and love sharing this with my family. My goal is for us to visit a new location every summer. I never got to travel much growing up, so I want my kids to get to experience new places. When they are still young, we are avoiding huge trips but once they get bigger, I want to take them to Europe, Hawaii and Disney. For now, our favorite place is the beach in Florida.
TRAVEL
I started crocheting as a coping mechanism when I was going through infertility and losses. It soon became something I loved to do and still do. I made multiple blankets for my babies, hats, stuffed animals. I don't crochet as often now but every once in awhile I get the urge to start a new project. Recently I started crocheting a baby blanket to use in newborn sessions. And the best thing is that my daughter now wants me to teach her. Which makes me so happy.
crocheting
